Maintaining Tape Cartridges - HP StorageWorks ESL E-Series User Manual

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Maintaining tape cartridges

Note:
StorageWorks SDLT Tape Drive Reference Guide,
Tape Drive User's Guide
For longer life of recorded or unrecorded tape cartridges:
If a tape cartridge is dropped or damage is suspected, gently shake the tape
cartridge:
102
In addition to the information provided in this manual, access the
from
Do not carry cartridges loosely in a container that exposes them to
unnecessary physical shock. Dropping or bumping cartridges may dislodge
and damage internal components.
Store tape cartridges vertically in their protective cases until needed. Store
tape cartridges in a clean environment that duplicates the conditions of the
room in which they will be used.
Use tape cartridges in temperatures between 50°F to 104°F (10°C and 40°C).
If a tape cartridge has been exposed to extreme heat or cold, stabilize the tape
cartridge at room temperature for the same amount of time it was exposed for
up to 24 hours.
Keep cartridges out of direct sunlight and do not place tape cartridges near
electromagnetic interference sources, such as terminals, motors, and video or
X-ray equipment. Doing so may cause data on the tape cartridge to be altered
or erased.
Do not touch the tape medium or open the tape door unnecessarily. Dust and
skin oils can contaminate the tape, impact performance, and cause damage.
Store tape cartridges in a dust-free environment where the relative humidity is
between 20 percent and 80 percent. For longer tape cartridge life, store the
tape cartridge at 40 percent to 60 percent relative humidity.
Use only HP qualified bar code labels. Apply them only in the designated
areas of the tape cartridge, and do not apply more than one per cartridge.
Follow guidelines provided by the tape cartridge manufacturer.
If it rattles, it is damaged. Restore the data on the tape cartridge if possible and
discard the damaged tape cartridge.
and the
http://www.hp.com/support
HP
HP StorageWorks Ultrium
for more information.
ESL E-Series Tape Library User's Guide